REEF FISHES ASSOCIATED TO CORAL REEFS IN FIVE COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN AREAS: SPECIES LIST AND NEW RECORDS

Abstract

Five coral reef areas at the Colombian Caribbean were assessed between 1998 and 2003 through the “National Coral Reef Monitoring System of Colombia” (SIMAC), recording 198 species of fishes. T h e highest species number was observed in Chengue bay (149), including four new records for the Santa Marta area. At San Andrés Island, 138 species were identified, with nine new records for the Archipelago. At the Rosario Island, 128 species were recorded with eight new records, while 114 species and 12 new records were observed at San Bernardo Islands. Of the 119 fish species recorded at the Urabá area, 48 are reported for the first time.